Salinas officers honored at awards dinner

Five Salinas police officers received Awards of Merit and a Distinguished Service Award was bestowed on one officer during the Monterey County Peace Officers Association Awards Dinner held Wednesday at the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Club in Seaside, the Salinas Police Department said.

Officer Gabe Gonzalez received an award of merit as result of his participation in the investigation of an interrupted residential burglary case that evolved into a vehicle pursuit, crash and foot chase. Gonzalez was able to chase and apprehend three fleeing suspects, one by one. All three suspects were charged with burglary, conspiracy, resisting arrest and possession of stolen property. This incident occurred on April 19, 2012, the Police Department said.

Officers Martin Persijn, Ken Ellsworth, Joseph Kinney, and Ciro Barboza received Awards of Merit and Officer Anthony Yates a Distinguished Service Award, all as a result of an investigation of an interrupted residential burglary case with a suspect armed with a handgun fleeing the area on foot as officers arrived on scene.

The armed suspect was eventually located and apprehended with the assistance of a canine officer and his partner. As a result, the suspect suffered a serious laceration to his arm. Yates provided aid to the suspect including application of a tourniquet in an attempt to stop the profuse bleeding. For his life-saving efforts, Yates was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. The suspect was charged with possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. This incident took place on Nov. 24, 2012, the Police Department said.

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Salinas officers honored at awards dinner

Five Salinas police officers received Awards of Merit and a Distinguished Service Award was bestowed on one officer during the Monterey County Peace Officers Association Awards Dinner held Wednesday